WHAT IS RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY? We’re so glad you’ve asked! Everything we do at Progressive Dental Care could be defined as “restorative” since everything we do is meant to restore your dental health to its optimum and to keep your smile healthy and happy for your entire life. After all, without excellent oral health, your life is dramatically affected from the ability to enjoy the foods you love to the dangers of heart disease. That’s why we take your entire oral systemic health so very, very seriously, while at the same time making sure your time with us is relaxing, caring and most importantly, enjoyable.
Restorative Dentistry services can include:
Crowns
A crown is a restoration that covers a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size. Its purpose is to strengthen and improve the appearance of a tooth. A crown is placed to support a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining, and to protect weak teeth from fracturing. Other reasons include: attaching a bridge, restoring fractured teeth, and to cover a dental implant. Most of our crowns are made of tooth colored porcelain for a natural look. In some instances (usually due to biting pressure) we may advise gold for the very back teeth.
Bridgework
A bridge is a restoration which replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. Your appearance, dental health and the proper functioning of your mouth are all important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support the lips and cheeks when teeth have been lost. Dental health suffers when teeth are not replaced. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the opposite jaw may move up or down toward the space. This places unusual stress on both the teeth and tissues of the mouth.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are artificial devices used to replace missing teeth. They may replace a missing front, back or series of teeth. For some people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels very natural. Surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments, implants fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture.
Implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps the replacement teeth feel more natural and some people find the secure fit very comfortable. Candidates for dental implants must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A thorough evaluation will help determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Bonded Fillings
Tooth Colored Restorations are fillings designed to match the color of your teeth. They may be used to restore a decayed tooth or repair a defect. Although they are often used on the front teeth (see Direct Resin Bonding) where a natural appearance is important, they are also commonly used on the back teeth. These restorations are prepared and placed in one dental visit. Your dentist will mix the composite material and match it to your tooth color for a natural appearance.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry is another way to define “restorative” dentistry, in that our goal is to bring your oral health and beauty to a natural, healthy state.
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (207) 773-1703.